Cable it, configure it, ping it

The bench starts with two PCs, a switch and a router. Add any device from the catalogue, click a port and then another to run a cable, and configure each device in the panel below.

    Plan the Wi-Fi, indoors and out

    Indoors, walls decide everything: place access points on an office floor and watch the signal pass through drywall, glass, brick and concrete. Outdoors, it is distance and line of sight: tune a point-to-point link until the Fresnel zone is clear.

    -82-75-67-55-40 dBm Drywall 3-4 dBGlass 2-3 dBBrick 8-12 dBConcrete 12-18 dB

    What is on it

    Numbered like the labels on the 3D model. Click one and the camera flies to it.

      Strengths

        Watch out

          Ports and what they mean

          Specifications

          First configuration

          Where it fits

            Good to know

              Now try it with your own hands

              Both exercises run on the 3D model at the top of the page and work for every device.

              Find the part

              We name a part, you find it on the model and click it. Rotate the device, flip it around and zoom in, as you would with the real thing. Only first-try answers without a hint score.

              Take it apart, put it back

              Every port block, module, fan and power supply moves to a tray on the bench. Pick each one up and seat it on its outline. When the last part is in, the unit powers on.

              Where each device sits

              One small company network, edge to desk, drawn with the Cisco devices. Click one to load it in the viewer.

              Every device, side by side

              Click a row to load that device. The lesson switches with it.

              Prices are rough street prices and vary by seller, condition and licence.